If you love cozy fall flavors and a perfect balance of creamy pumpkin and crunchy topping, this Pumpkin Crisp Recipe will quickly become your new favorite dessert. It’s a divine combination of spiced pumpkin filling topped with a buttery, cinnamon streusel that bakes into a warm, comforting treat. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or craving a homey dessert on a chilly night, this recipe delivers layers of texture and mouthwatering flavor that make every bite unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Pumpkin Crisp Recipe is so easy because each ingredient plays a crucial role in bringing out the warm, inviting flavors and that irresistible texture. From the creamy pumpkin base to the crunchy topping, every element is thoughtfully simple yet essential.
- Pumpkin puree: The star ingredient providing that rich and smooth pumpkin flavor that defines the dish.
- Granulated sugar (two measurements): Adds sweetness to both the filling and the topping, balancing the pumpkin’s earthiness perfectly.
- Eggs: Help bind the filling, giving it structure and a creamy consistency.
- Pumpkin pie spice: Brings warm notes like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that spark fall nostalgia.
- Salt (two measurements): Enhances all the flavors and ensures the sweetness is just right.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth and a subtle aroma that complements the spices beautifully.
- Heavy cream: Enriches the filling ensuring it’s luscious and silky.
- All-purpose flour: Key ingredient in the streusel topping for that crumbly texture.
- Cinnamon: Integral to the topping, infusing it with spicy warmth that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Binds the topping ingredients together and creates that golden, crisp finish.
How to Make Pumpkin Crisp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot for baking. Grease a 12-inch cast iron skillet or a medium casserole dish to prevent the crisp from sticking. This ensures easy serving later and helps develop that beautiful crust.
Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and vanilla extract until completely smooth and combined. Gradually mix in the heavy cream; this addition makes the filling creamy and velvety. Once ready, pour the mixture into your prepared dish, spreading it evenly for an even bake.
Step 3: Prepare the Streusel Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Adding the melted butter gradually, stir with a fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This topping mixture will bake into that iconic crisp layer that cracks delightfully as you dive in.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Carefully sprinkle the cinnamon streusel evenly over the pumpkin filling, covering the surface completely for a perfect contrast of textures. Place your dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The filling should be set but still tender, and the topping golden brown. If you notice the crisp browning too quickly, tent it with foil to prevent burning.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, allow the Pumpkin Crisp Recipe to cool for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps the filling set more firmly, so it’s easier to serve. It’s absolutely wonderful when served warm, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top.
How to Serve Pumpkin Crisp Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish can elevate your Pumpkin Crisp Recipe to dessert-table stardom. A swirl of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of melting vanilla ice cream adds richness and creaminess, perfectly balancing the crisp texture. Toasted pecans or a light sprinkle of nutmeg over the top can also add an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
While this dessert is fantastic on its own, pairing it with hot beverages like spiced chai, coffee, or a warm apple cider creates a complete autumnal experience. You could also serve it alongside a scoop of cinnamon ice cream or a dollop of mascarpone for a fancy, indulgent touch.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, try serving single portions in cute ramekins or small cast iron skillets for individual servings. Layering the pumpkin filling and topping in clear glass dishes can also make a fun presentation, letting everyone see the gorgeous textures. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle some edible gold dust or cinnamon sticks as decoration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Pumpkin Crisp Recipe covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled maintains the flavors while preventing the topping from getting soggy. When ready to enjoy again, let it come back to room temperature or gently warm it before serving.
Freezing
This Pumpkin Crisp Recipe freezes well, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for busy days or unexpected guests. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn, and store it for up to 1 month. Remember to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, reheat your Pumpkin Crisp Recipe in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through and the topping regains its crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the topping crunchy, but it works if you’re in a hurry.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh pumpkin, roast and puree it until smooth before using. Keep in mind fresh pumpkin can have a different moisture level, so you might need to adjust the amount of cream slightly to achieve the right texture.
Is this Pumpkin Crisp Recipe gluten-free?
The traditional recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can substitute it with a gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free. Just make sure your blend is suitable for baking to get a similar crumbly texture.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
With a few substitutions, this Pumpkin Crisp Recipe can be vegan. Use a plant-based butter alternative for the topping, a flax or chia egg replacement instead of eggs, and coconut cream or another non-dairy heavy cream substitute in the filling.
How can I make the topping extra crunchy?
For an extra crunchy topping, try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the streusel mixture before baking. You can also sprinkle a little brown sugar on top to caramelize slightly in the oven.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftover Pumpkin Crisp Recipe tastes just as fantastic reheated with a little vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Serve it warm to bring out all the cozy autumn spices and buttery crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Crisp Recipe is a delightful celebration of fall flavors and textures that’s sure to warm your heart and kitchen. It’s simple enough for weeknight baking yet impressive enough for special occasions. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own favorite seasonal treat—every spoonful feels like a hug from the inside!
Print
Pumpkin Crisp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pumpkin Crisp is a delightful autumn dessert featuring a smooth, spiced pumpkin filling topped with a crunchy cinnamon streusel. Baked to golden perfection, it offers a comforting combination of warm spices and buttery crispness, perfect served warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients
Pumpkin Filling
- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- â…” cup heavy cream
Cinnamon Streusel Topping
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 12 tablespoons (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-inch cast iron skillet or a medium casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Make the pumpkin filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and uniform. Pour this filling evenly into the prepared dish.
- Prepare the streusel topping: In another bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir with a fork until the mixture becomes crumbly and evenly combined.
- Assemble: Evenly spread the cinnamon streusel mixture over the pumpkin filling in the dish, covering it completely.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the pumpkin filling is set and the streusel topping turns a golden brown color. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and allow the pumpkin crisp to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. For an extra treat, enjoy it with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream on top.
Notes
- Use a cast iron skillet or casserole dish to ensure even baking.
- Cover with foil if the topping browns too fast during baking.
- Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
- Try adding chopped nuts to the streusel for extra crunch.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
